Behistun
or Bisotun: town in Iran, site of several ancient monuments, including
a famous inscription by the Persian king Darius
I the Great (522- 486 BCE), the great organizer of the Achaemenid empire.

On these pages, you can find drawings, a translitteration
and an adapted version of the King/Thompson translation of the inscription.

(22) King Darius
says: A certain man named Martiya,
the son of Zinzakriš, dwelt in a city in Persia called Kuganakâ.
This man revolted in Elam, and he said to the people: 'I am Ummaniš, king
in Elam.'

(23) King Darius says: At that time, I was friendly with Elam. Then
there were Elamites afraid of me, and that Martiya, who was their leader,
they seized and slew.

(24) King Darius says: A certain Mede
named Phraortes
revolted in Media, and he said to the people: 'I am Khshathrita, of the
family of Cyaxares.'
Then did the Medes who were in the palace revolt from me and go
over to Phraortes. He became king in Media.